Effects of chemicals on shopping receipts on fertility are being discussed
Claims on social media that shopping receipts can lead to infertility and hormonal imbalance are being evaluated by scientists in light of available data.
While claims circulate on social media that shopping receipts can cause infertility and hormonal imbalance due to the chemical BPA they contain, scientists state that current data does not provide sufficient evidence for this level of panic.
Receipt Concern on Social Media
Shopping receipts have become an unexpected source of health concern on social media, bringing up claims that they could damage the ability to have children.
It has been suggested in TikTok videos and podcasts that touching receipts can cause infertility, hormonal imbalance, and lower testosterone levels.
The Role of the Chemical BPA
At the center of the concerns is bisphenol A, an endocrine disruptor found on thermal paper that is associated with hormonal disorders.
While modern printers use heat instead of ink to react with the BPA coating, laboratory experiments have shown that it reduces testosterone production.
The Approach of Scientists
Scientists emphasize that there is not enough evidence for consumers to panic, stating that the amount exposed to is of critical importance.
It was stated that the small amount of BPA on a single receipt is unlikely to affect health, and no explosion of infertility has been observed among cashiers.
International Regulations
Receipts containing BPA have been banned in the European Union and the UK, and have been phased out in Japan and Korea.
It is known that BPS, a similar chemical, has begun to be used in place of BPA in these regions.
Important Health Steps
Experts state that those who want to avoid touching receipts or prefer email receipts can do so.
To protect fertility, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and exercising are much more important steps compared to receipts.